Mom thinks I'm building a bomb. (amusing tales of supply runs)

[kesomon]

Today I was left to my own devices, so I took mom's bike and rode a fair distance to the nearby Ace hardware, because I wanted to price buckets and ammonia, since I know Ace sells safe, pure ammonia usable for fishless cycling. I'm not sure what compelled me to do this, as between my house and Ace are two massive hills, so my legs are now devoid of all feeling.

But anyways...

I discovered that that particular Ace only sold ammonia in gallon jugs. Obviously, that's a bit much for cycling a single 2.5 gallon tank, so I just priced it and left. When mom later got home I told her of my adventure on a bike, and that I learned Ace sold ammonia only by the gallon, and she gave me an odd look and was all, "Are you building a bomb?"

It wasn't like I could tell her I was pricing ammonia for cycling purposes, considering I'm not supposed to have anything to do with fish ownership.

So, that's my funny story for the day. Anyone else have an amusing story of the trials of supply runs?

(At the moment, I'm killing time watching my computer backup files to my new ExHD. 500gbs, yet so very adorably tiny.)

[Badjer]

Lol this is quite hilarious! But just so you know, it's nearly impossible to cycle a 2.5 tank as the ammonia builds up too fast. So definitely don't bother. I clean my 2.5 twice a week, one 50% water change only, and one 100% with a good gravel siphon and rinsing the fake plants and cave under hot water.

[kesomon]

Well that's disappointing news. Even doing fishless cycling, where the ammonia amount added is controlled? And with a filter running? I'm not sure I have the room, nor a sturdy enough table, for a 5 gallon tank. (Or the arm strength to lift said tank, whether its full of rocks or empty. Or hide said tank, until such time it could be used.)

[Badjer]

Yeah pretty sure I've heard it's too hard to manage, especially long term. With a filter, a 2.5 would require smaller or less water changes...I forget how it would work exactly. My 2.5 is unfiltered as even a baffled filter was too much for the little guy I have in there. 5 gallons actually aren't as large as you might think...I was amazed at how compact even my 20 long looked once it was set up. Still takes up more desk space than I would like, but anything for my bettas!

[kesomon]

A 5 gal would probably be easier to hood too. I'd been worrying about how I was going to prevent occupants from jumping out, since the only covers for a 2.5 I've seen have been glass ones that don't allow for any filters or air holes or anything. Hrm. *frowns* This is troubling. I'd rather get the best environment, but its doubtful I'll keep my hoarding of supplies a secret if I walk in the door with a 5gal, and then I'll really be shot down and can kiss my betta dreams goodbye. Poo.

[kesomon]

Of course, it may be a moot point considering I can't find the reciept for the tank I have, so I'm not sure they'd let me exchange or return it. Bah.

[Badjer]

Well if you're looking for a good 2.5, the Aqueon Mini Bow 2.5 is a really nice tank. It's acrylic, has a hood and fits a Hagen Elite heater well. It also come with a filter, although I didn't care for the filter and as stated, neither did my betta. Lots of people on here have had no trouble with them though. The cleaning really isn't bad. You can carry the tank right to the sink and have it done within 10 minutes.

Also, you probably don't need my lectures, but hiding pet from your parents is usually not only unsuccessful, but can be a horrible experience for not only the owner, but the animal involved. I suggest proving to your parents you can care for the fish before adopting and putting him/her at risk. Might be a better situation for all involved.

[kesomon]

Oh I don't have a fish yet. I'm just hoarding supplies that can be kept for future use in the event I whittle their anti-fish resolve down. If I got a fish, or even if I started setting up the tank and not just keep it in my closet, I know they probably wouldn't do much more than sigh and lecture me, but its the disappointed, disapproving attitude I want to avoid.

In any case, I'd probably have to wait a while to set anything up. I'd rather wait for the construction projects to be done. And since they take forever on those, I have time. I'll make them see reason, and if not, I can save the stuff for when I have my own place.

[bbulino]

I think walmart sells a pretty nice 2 gallon hexagon tank for $30.00 with hood and a plastic cover thats really easy to cut holes in.

[kesomon]

Eugh, Wal-Mart. I boycott them unless absolutely necessary. I'd rather have a glass aquarium anyway.